CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Armed Forces veterans and active duty military are eligible for some enjoyable freebies on Veterans Day. Several major restaurant chains and others will observe the national day of recognition by honoring current and past troops with a special meals, snacks and more.

One of the corporate spokesman called their offer a "small gesture of appreciation to the dedicated men and women who have served, or are currently serving in the armed forces.”

Your favorite business may not be listed here; it won't hurt to check their websites to uncover special Veterans Day offers. And because participation and details can vary, you'll definitely want to call the specific restaurant location you're considering before you head over. Check whether they're honoring the promotion, and any details you need to know. (Most promotions do not extend to family members and don't include extras, including gratuities.)

Here are just a few of the offers on tap in Northeastern Ohio ...

Krispy Kreme: On Veterans Day, all veterans and active military personnel will receive a free doughnut and free small coffee at participating Krispy Kreme locations. No purchase necessary. Veterans and active military personnel will be invited to select from more than a dozen varieties of doughnuts,including the signature Original Glazed, and any of three Krispy Kreme signature coffee blends. Visit krispykreme.com for locations and more information.

Applebees: The chain is calling itself "Home of the Free Entree" this Veterans Day. During business hours Monday at all Applebees locations, veterans and all active duty military can show proof of military service to qualify for their choice of six signature entrees -- free. (Beverages and gratuity are not included.) Visit applebees.com for details and locations.

Friendly's Restaurants: Participating restaurants in Ohio and other states in the eastern U.S. will treat guests who show their military ID or honorable discharge card to a complimentary Big-Two-Do breakfast and coffee on Veterans Day. That special allows guests to customize their breakfast entree by choosing two slices of French toast, two buttermilk pancakes or two slices of toast; two strips of crispy bacon or two sausage links and two made-to-order farm fresh eggs. For additional information, visit friendlys.com

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill: Locations will honors veterans with a 30 percent discount on the veteran's meal on Monday. In order to participate, you must show a military ID. Learn more at smokeybones.com

Golden Corral: From 4-9 p.m. Monday, any person who has served in the military can visit an area Golden Corral and enjoy a free dinner buffet and beverage. No identification is needed for the serviceman or servicewoman. The offer extends to all military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard or Reserves and is for dine-in meals only. Other guests in the party will be required to pay for their meals. Visit goldencorral.comfor details and directions to locations in Cleveland and Macedonia.

Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant: Restaurants nationwide will observe Veterans Day with a "Queso for Heroes" promotion that benefits Operation Homefront (OH). The Cleveland area location, 26100 Harvard Road, will donate $1 for every Chile con Queso appetizer sold over the Veterans Day weekend (Saturday through Monday) to Operation Homefront. The organization helps with emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. For more information about "Queso for Heroes," visit abuelos.com or call the restaurant at 216-360-9030.

Before or after your meal or snack, you may want to consider adding an afternoon outing to your plans ...

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: The rail line will offer a free train ride to honor veterans and their families. At 1:30 p.m. Monday the train will depart from Rockside Station (located at 7900 Old Rockside Road, one block north of Rockside Road off of Canal Road in Independence) for a three-hour, round trip that includes the Voices of the Valley audio tour. The free tickets will be available at the Rockside Station 45 minutes prior to departure, and will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis. No advance tickets are available.

All current military members, veterans, and their families are invited. World War II Veterans will be seated in the Premium Section as special recognition. Wheelchair access is available, though limited. For more information visit CVSR.com.

Follow Us

cleveland.com is powered by Plain Dealer Publishing Co. and Northeast Ohio Media Group. All rights reserved (About Us).The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Northeast Ohio Media Group LLC.